Which format is commonly used to exchange data in APIs?

The choice of JSON as a common format for exchanging data in APIs is rooted in several key advantages that it offers over other formats. JSON, or JavaScript Object Notation, is lightweight and easy to read, making it a preferred choice for developers. Its structure, which uses key-value pairs, allows for organized and straightforward data representation.

One significant reason JSON is favored is its compatibility with modern programming languages, particularly JavaScript, which enhances its usability on web platforms. This native support in JavaScript simplifies the process of parsing and generating JSON data within web applications, resulting in improved performance and ease of integration.

Furthermore, JSON's data structure is inherently more versatile for complex data types, enabling it to handle nested objects and arrays efficiently. This capability is essential for APIs that require the transmission of hierarchical data in a clear and concise manner.

While XML also supports structured data exchange and is widely used, it tends to be more verbose than JSON, which can lead to larger payload sizes and potentially slower parsing. CSV, while useful for tabular data, lacks the hierarchical structures needed for APIs that handle more complex data interactions. HTML is primarily designed for content presentation rather than data interchange, making it an unsuitable choice for data exchange in APIs.

Overall, JSON maintains a